On December 16, the Governnor had written his second letter to the CM seeking an action taken report on the Lokayukta inquiry report on illegal mining. The Governor had also expressed his displeasure against the CM for not replying to his letters in the past.

Promptly on December 17, Yeddyurappa replied to Bhardwaj. In one letter he referred to the Governor’s December 9 letter which had reference to the Congress’ complaint regarding illegal mining and continuation of the Bellary ministers in the Cabinet. The Party had also complained that a lot of money has been misused while executing projects under the JNNURM by BBMP. The CM is yet to reply to Wednesday’s letter.

Yeddyurappa, referring to the mining, has stated, “I am examining all the points and I shall revert back to you shortly.”  A separate report on the works carried out by BBMP under the JNNURM scheme along with the details of utilisation of Central government’s grants will be sent, the CM has said.

Varsity appointments

Replying to the letter pertaining to appointment of registrars, the CM has defended the appointments made to Bangalore as well as Davangere universities.

He said initially, when the Karnataka State Universities Act, 2000 came into force, the government was able to appoint only the officers belonging to IAS. Subsequently, due to paucity of such officers, the officers belonging to IPS and IFS were posted as registrars. While doing so, it may be pointed out that the Act does not contemplate consultation with the VCs concerned.

Yeddyurappa further explained that having IPS and IFS officers as registrars did not find favour with the academicians and in an Inter-University Board meeting, the VCs requested the government to consider appointing only academicians to these positions.

Later the government, after obtaining a panel of names from the VCs, academicians have been posted as registrars. It has so happened that a few universities like Bangalore and Davangere, the academicians suggested by the VCs could not be posted for administrative reasons.

No opposition

However, the CM said, none of the VCs have written to the government opposing any of these academicians. As a matter of fact, the VC of Bangalore University is reported to have stated that had he known the person who was appointed as Registrar a little earlier, he would have included his name on the panel. In respect of Davangere University, an academician who worked as finance officer earlier at Kuvempu University was posted as registrar to facilitate smooth bifurcation of the varsity.

However, the CM said, he has gone through the views expressed in the letters by him (Governor) as well as the opinion given by the Advocate General and same would be kept in mind henceforth.